Qualifying times: Toyota Indy 400.

Right up until the last runner went out to qualify for the Toyota Indy 400 outgoing champion Scott Dixon looked set to improve his dismal season with a pole position. But then along came Penske's Helio Castroneves to snatch his third pole in a row - he will hope to turn it into his first win of 2004 on Sunday.

Most observers expect Dixon to hand over his title this weekend to Andretti-Green Racing's Tony Kanaan, who only has to finish fourth to guarantee the prize. But Kanaan will have his work cut out, engine problems seeing him fail to set a qualifying time and starting at the back of the 22-car field. However team-mate Dan Wheldon, the only rival who can realistically deprive Kanaan of the title, could only manage 14th grid spot. Meanwhile Darren Manning set his fourth place qualifying time and then on the second lap gave his team serious work to do with heavy rear contact with the turn 2 wall. Assuming the IRL medical team clear Dixon to race he will start at the back in his backup field.

The Toyota Indy 400 gets underway at around 3pm on Sunday. Check back to crash.net for the full story.